Brazil will face Chile in the World Cup's round of 16 after Neymar's double helped secure a 4-1 win over Cameroon in Brasilia.
The
victory at the Estadio Nacional confirmed the hosts as Group A winners
and booked them a duel with their fellow South Americans in the first of
the knockout stage matches, in Belo Horizonte on Saturday.Luiz Felipe Scolari made just one change to the Brazil line-up that began the 0-0 draw over Mexico in Fortaleza last Tuesday. Hulk shook off a thigh problem and replaced Ramires on the right of the attacking midfield three.
Cameroon head coach Volker Finke made three changes to the Indomitable Lions side that began the 4-0 thrashing by Croatia in Manaus last time out. In came right-back Allan Nyom, left-back Henri Bedimo and midfielder Landry N'Guemo. Out went the suspended Alex Song, plus defenders Aurelien Chedjou and Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
Paulinho saw an early shot blocked as Brazil began brightly but just before Eyong Enoh collected an 11th-minute booking, Aboubakar saw a strong effort blocked by Marcelo.
However, the hosts opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Luiz Gustavo won the ball on the left and then motored down the wing before whipping a low cross into the area for Neymar to sidefoot home with his right boot past Charles Itandje for the 100th goal of the tournament.
But Cameroon continued to threaten and within 10 minutes, they forced an equaliser. Dani Alves could not contain Nyom who had popped up on the left following a corner, and he passed the ball across for Joel Matip - left free by Marcelo - to score from close range.
Back came Brazil, with Neymar grabbing his second in the 34th minute. Surging forward into the area from the left channel after Marcelo's pass, the 22-year-old came inside Nicolas N'Koulou and fired home low with his right foot to notch his fourth goal in three games.
The second half was only four minutes old when Fred found a third goal. Half-time substitute Fernandinho kept the ball alive on the edge of the area following a corner and flicked it left where David Luiz was in space. His ball in was stuck home at close range by Fred - benefitting from a tight offside decision - to spark wild celebrations.
A fourth goal arrived in the 84th minute. A quick Cameroon free-kick was taken too sloppily and Oscar managed to steal the ball back. Some rapid interplay of passing returned the ball to the Chelsea man again and he presented a chance for sub Fernandinho to arrive and slide home the fourth.
Mexico's goal rush in Recife against Croatia made it tight, but Brazil finished top on goal difference to set up a last-16 date with the Chileans, who were runners-up in Group B.
Post a Comment